Standouts
20 years in business
Online consultation
Family owned
9 Houzz Awards
6 Houzz Badges
Contact Info:
Francisca Alonso
9903 Georgetown Pike Suite 201
Great Falls, VA 22066
9903 Georgetown Pike Suite 201
Great Falls, VA 22066
Typical Job Costs:
$1 million - 3 million
Category:
Architects & Building Designers, Home Builders
License Number:
0401011963
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N. Virginia's Exclusive Architectural Design Studio | 5x Best of Houzz
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AV Architects + Builders is an award-winning design-build firm that creates extraordinary custom homes in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland.
What sets us apart from other architects and builders? Three things.
First, think about your most relaxing vacation. Close your eyes and remember. Were you lounging at a resort’s infinity pool? Or were you snuggling in front a crackling fire at your favorite ski lodge? Our designs are inspired by a belief that your home should make you feel like you are on vacation, every time you walk through the front door.
Francisca Alonso, CEO and Co-Founder of AV Architects + Builders, grew up in Southern Spain in a household inspired by her father, also an architect. Her passion for Vacation Style LivingTM took root at a young age, and has grown into a philosophy that guides everything we do.
Second, we don’t just design extraordinary homes, we build great relationships with our clients. For the past 18 years, we’ve built up a long list of delighted clients, who are still in love with the homes we had the privilege of designing and building.
Last, we both design AND manage the construction. This is important for you because it means you have a single point of contact from start to finish, and our process makes it much more likely your project will finish on time and on schedule. If you want a stress-free experience, and a home that gives you the feeling you are on vacation, we could be just the firm you are looking for.
Proud members of the following organizations:
•American Institute of Architects (AIA)
•Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA)
•National Association Remodeling Industry (NARI)
•National Association of Professional Business Owners (NAPBO)
Services Provided
Custom Home, Energy-Efficient Homes, Green Building, Home Additions, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Custom Homes, Architectural Design
Areas Served
Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Dulles, Dulles Town Center, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Lowes Island, Mc Lean, Mclean, North Potomac, Oakton, Pimmit Hills, Potomac, Reston, Tysons Corner, Vienna, West Mclean, Wolf Trap, Ashburn, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland
Awards
Licensed Architects and Class A Contractors Best of Houzz 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012 Best Contractor of Northern Virginia 2017 - Northern VA Magazine Featured in Home & Design Magazine, Home & Design 100 Top Designers Portfolio, LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine
17 Projects for AV Architects + Builders

McLean, VA
Forest Villa House - Mclean, VA
34 photos

McLean, VA
Modern McLean House
68 photos2 videos

Great Falls, VA
Runner Road House
35 photos

Great Falls, VA
Modern Great Falls Renovation
22 photos

Washington, DC
Titania House
3 photos

Great Falls, VA
Modern Bath Retreat
11 photos

McLean, VA
Pool House Retreat - McLean, VA
7 photos

Tysons, VA
A Home For Life
21 photos

McLean, VA
Rustic Modern
16 photos

Great Falls, VA
Modern Farm Style
10 photos

Great Falls, VA
Old World Flair
17 photos

Runner House - Renderings
8 photos1 video
Featured Review

huskerinva
Relationship
Client
I have known AV Architects + Builders for over three years. I was initially impressed with the company's culture and seeing their work later confirmed what I suspected about their culture. I then knew that someday I would become a customerRead Full Review
27 Reviews for AV Architects + Builders
5.0|27 reviews
Work Quality5.0
Communication5.0
Value5.0

Veronica Tierney
Relationship
Client
Our desire to build a new home began years ago. We struggled to find the right lot or house to remodel. What did not take long to decide was the architect and builder we wanted to use. After seeing several homes designed and built by AV Architects + Builders, we were confident they could deliver our dream home. The older home we finally purchased needed extensive repair, remodeling, and rebuilding. We changed the entire floor plan, several floor elevations and ceiling heights, significantly increased virtually all window, door, and interior openings, and brought the house up to code with today’s requirements. What could have been an extraordinarily difficult process – essentially building a brand-new home from the inside out – was made easy by Francisca, Tony, and their entire team. Being both the architect and builder, the design and construction flowed seamlessly. Everyone was always on the same page (including the numerous subcontractors), and Francisca and Tony perfectly anticipated and accommodated our participation in making design decisions along the way. With their very friendly style and personal touch, they sought to really get to know us and our vision for the home. At times of uncertainty, their direction consistently proved to be exactly the right choice. We wanted unique and AV Architects + Builders delivered. Francisca and her team gave us many highly customized, unexpected options such as a large, spa-like master shower, floating modern stairs, floating fireplace ledge, and double thick kitchen counters. The result is a modern, yet incredibly warm and inviting home. The attention to detail, quality of materials, and workmanship at every level was excellent. AV Architect delivered a home that was truly beyond our expectations. We wanted to be in our new home by Thanksgiving, and given all the challenges we faced, they made it happen. We could not be happier with our newly built custom home.
March 18, 2021

J&L Interiors, LLC
Relationship
Colleague
As an interior designer, I work with many architects and builders. AV Architects & Builders is one of the best! Francisca Alonso takes the time to listen to her clients to understand what their dream home looks like. Her designs are exceptional and creative. For me, one of my favorite parts of working with Francisca is that she educate her clients on the building process and incorporates virtual walk through of her designs. I highly recommend AV Architects & Builders for anyone looking to build a custom home.
May 6, 2020

Comment from AV Architects + Builders:
Thank you so much Lori! It's always a pleasure to work with you and your team.

C T
Relationship
Client
Our experience working with AV Architects + Builders has been one of consistently high professionalism and superb customer care. Our project was huge and involved significantly redesigning existing space which, due to HOA covenants, had challenging constraints. Francisca and AV Architects did a spectacular job working within those constraints and producing architectural plans that aligned beautifully with our hopes and dreams for our home. This company is visionary with both structure and design and we are thrilled with the result.
December 31, 2018

Robert Murphy
Relationship
Client
My wife, Khanh, and I would like to enthusiastically refer AV Architects for any and all architectural matters, including recognition or honors for their outstanding design and build work these past 16 years. Their design quality, professionalism, and stellar performance is of the highest possible standard. Every important project they do, be it small or of grand scale, represents their incredible commitment and passion for their craft. Their integrity and care for their customers from the inception of the project to the final handover, is superb, bar none.
We are proud to have lived across the street from Francisca and Tony Alonso, principals of AV Architects, for many years. We watched their four children grow up and we followed their careful planning to create their own special design firm along the way. In 2002, we had the honor of being their first professional client. They designed a very special deck for our back yard, which is approximately 1800 square feet, and of two levels, a stage area, and very unique design. For us, it was our dream deck, where we ultimately would spend 100’s of hours with family and close friends, including the Alonso’s, for many family events, parties, anniversaries, birthdays, business events, and even live bands. It is amazing how such a project as small as a backyard decker has brought such incredible memories for our extended family and friends - ones which we shall always cherish.
We recall the incredible commitment from Francisca and Tony to every detail of our deck. Detailed planning, multiple bids for capable contractor assistance, informative meetings during the process at every stage. We were all younger then and this was a very big deal at the time! Our toddlers awaited the moment that the deck would be ready for birthday parties and family gatherings. Although a very small project in relation to what AV Architects are creating now - at that time, it was one of such great importance to us, as clients. They shared the entire design and build process with us along the way, and by the end we felt as if we educated architects ourselves. They even performed landscaping for us around the deck, above and beyond their scope. This is just a small but memorable attribute of the character of their organization, that was there from the beginning. We have fond memories of that process working with AV Architects, especially its principals.
We are so fortunate, and proud, to have been the first customers of AV Architects in 2002, and are sure their are hundreds of stories like ours that followed - of large or small scale - about their professionalism, craftsmanship, commitment, integrity, and personal care and attention.
December 31, 2018
Comment from AV Architects + Builders:
Rob - thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience with working with our firm. It was truly a pleasure to work with you and Khanh and we value our lasting friendship that evolved out of this for so many years. You and your family are truly wonderful and it has been a privilege to work together.

Jim Brooks
Relationship
Colleague
I have worked with and supplied AV Architects & Builders with windows and doors since 2008. They have consistently been one of the most professional and knowledgable builders we supply. Their attention to detail and requirement for quality materials make them one of our most respected clients. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in having their home designed and built with an eye on detail and emphasis on quality construction.
December 11, 2018

Sight And Sound Systems Inc
Relationship
Colleague
We have been working with Francisca for a while now and she never ceases to amaze us. She delivers quality work and sets a great example for the builder community.
December 10, 2018Last modified:December 20, 2018

Sean O'Rourke Photography LLC
Relationship
Colleague
AV Architects + Builders hired me to photograph their recent spec home. I've photographed many homes in my career, but nothing like this. Their creativity and design are second to none. You can tell they're passionate about what they do, because their execution is flawless.
Their homes look like something out of a Home and Design magazine. I highly recommend them if you want a true custom built home. You will not be dissapointed!




November 16, 2018

Jim C
Relationship
Client
We engaged AV Architects and Builders to design and build a custom pool house for year-round use. Francisca and her team worked with us closely to design a structure that was exactly what we were hoping for. Once the design was finished, AV was extremely helpful in the selection of materials that suited our taste and budget, and then oversaw construction in an attentive and detailed manner. It was a pleasure to work with AV, and we can recommend them highly to others considering similar projects.
August 1, 2018
Comment from AV Architects + Builders:
Jim, it was a real pleasure to work with you and Trisha on your Pool House. Thank you so much for trusting our firm to create the dream retreat you wished for your family! It is clients like you that value our design/build expertise that make our day every day. Thank you, thank you!

alonsod
Relationship
Client
I hired AV Architects & Builders over 10 years ago to do a total renovation of my home in Vienna. An addition to my home, total kitchen and bathroom redesign, deck and exterior redesign. Ten years later I can say i have never had an issue with their work, solid construction and everything still looks brand new. In fact i am about to hire them again for another project. They are creative, understand client needs and budget. THE BEST.
December 31, 2015

Amy Gurri
Relationship
Client
It was a great pleasure working with AV Architects on my kitchen renovation project. Francisca spent quality time with me during the planning phases of the project to ensure that I came up with the best possible design for our kitchen. She guided me through the selection process of cabinets, appliances, light fixtures, tiles, and paint colors. It was definitely a collaboration where she took my ideas and feedback and ran with them as well as adding design concepts I never would have thought of. She also was a great project manager and managed the workers to make sure the workmanship was up to her high standards. Quality is a key requirement for AV Architects and they insist on using products and materials which will last. The result is that my kitchen, which was completed 10 years ago, looks as good today as the day it was completed.
December 31, 2015

Tony S
Relationship
Client
On-going in-home modifications and guesthouse build (not yet complete). Very professional design team that dealt with numerous challenges to existing house modifications and small guesthouse, in particular with dealing with permitting and zoning issues, and related to keeping homeowner informed. The only reason we didn't give a five-star rating is because we are not done with the project; we'll upgrade to 5 stars when it's all finished! They are pricey, and you don't have a clear idea of the breakdown of costs, but the cost has been worth it to make sure the project gets done right.
December 31, 2015

bevalonso
Relationship
Client
AV did a complete renovation of my home. They were totally professional and the project turned out beautiful. What I appreciated the most is that they took care of every detail. We just love the finished project and take great pride in showing it off,
December 29, 2015

huskerinva
Relationship
Client
I have known AV Architects + Builders for over three years. I was initially impressed with the company's culture and seeing their work later confirmed what I suspected about their culture. I then knew that someday I would become a customer and started searching for a home inside the Beltway that could be demolished and a new home built.
I looked at several homes and even consulted with Francisca to get her professional opinion on issues that may arise if I bought the lot to build a home. Her feedback helped me move forward with the purchase of a lot.
We are wrapping up the design phase and obtaining permits and will begin construction soon.
I selected AV Architects + Builders because of their values, the quality of their work, and their vision. I did not consult with any other firm because of the high level of trust I had, their professionalism, and the quality of their work as I was able to observe it. I am not second-guessing my decision and remain confident in my decision.
December 29, 2015

lisa899
Relationship
Client
AV Architects + Builders designed and built a two story addition to our home, including a new family room, breakfast room, and re-designing our existing family room into a mudroom and kid's study downstairs; and a new master bedroom, and re-designing the existing master bedroom into two walk-in closets, sitting room, and upstairs laundry room.
This addition improved our storage, and the flow of our home tremendously. It made it perfect for a family with three growing boys and two big dogs.
Having the architect manage the project from beginning to end was a huge benefit. It made it so the contractor had a stake in earning another contract (rather than a one and done situation, with little incentive to keep the customer happy). This made for very responsive contractor, who stayed on top of the job from start to finish.
December 29, 2015

donnbeth
Relationship
Client
We just finished a kitchen renovation with Av Architects and Builders and I can't say enough about the gorgeous job they did. Francisca was AMAZING! She helped bring everything together from the back splash, granite island and new tile floor. She was so easy to work with, she really took into consideration my floor plan, taste and daily living patterns and it is all reflected in the materials and their quality, not to mention her fabulous taste. The job was also scheduled, and completed earlier than expected, her staff is very prompt and efficient. This job was so well organized and her company left nothing undone. Francisca has a great eye for building and renovating and we will definitely use her in the future for more projects.
The Featherstone Family
September 14, 2015

Tilson Group
Relationship
Colleague
At Tilson Group, we just love working with AV Architects and Builders. They have a great understanding of what their clients needs wants and desires are and can communicate them effectively. Tilson Group provided Landscape Architectural design and installation services for their project in Falls Church, Virginia. AV Architects and Builders client was please with the design and installation of landscaping for their house and we were so glad to be part of the process.
August 7, 2015

meganjlong
Relationship
Client
My fiance and I met with Francisca & Tony after we got engaged to discuss rebuilding on our property. The 800 sq ft brick house I owned wasn't going to be big enough for us & our 3 dogs! The design phase was a lot of fun and very detailed, but never overwhelming. We went away to get married the same week our house was demo'd and 8 short months later were back on our property in our dream home!! What I love most about the house is the kitchen, the stairwell, the windows, the mudroom, the dog wash station in the mudroom... I love it all :-) Francisca & Tony think of all the little things that add so much detail and really make a home feel finished. If I ever build another home I know who to call!
July 2, 2015Last modified:July 3, 2015

The Binnick Group
Relationship
Colleague
I have had the pleasure of working with Francisca and her team as her cabinetry representative. I continue to be blown away at the level of service, professionalism and detail she gives each customer. She takes the time to listen to her customers wants and needs, then couples that with her diverse and extensive professional knowledge to make their dreams come to reality!
August 28, 2014

Nora Tiller
Relationship
Client
We hired AV Architects/Builders to expand and update our 1980 brick colonial. The project consisted of a complete renovation and reconfiguration of the kitchen and 3 baths, the relocation of a laundry room, the construction of a mud room and a 2-level addition including a bathroom suite on the upper level. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Francisca and her team at AV. Francisca is familiar with current trends, but also considers the efficiency and effectiveness of the natural flow within a house. The contractors at AV were all professional and considerate. Our concerns with such a large project were budget and timeliness. We were pleasantly surprised and pleased that we were able to move back into our "new" home on time and without any budget overruns. We are 100% happy with the work AV has done in our home and highly recommend the team.
April 18, 2014

lcaicedo
Relationship
Client
Francisca, Toni and their entire crew made all this project easy by working closely with us. My best experience with the was finding our countertop, which i love but was tough to find because we wanted something very specific. Francisca was excellent at interpreting my ideas and making them real. We posted a review before but wanted to post pictures.




December 31, 2013Last modified:December 31, 2013

mkansky
Relationship
Client
We were very fortunate to use AV Architects to handle our kitchen, mud room and bath remodel. Francisca's designs were perfect, both functional and elegant. She completed the work on time and within budget. We truly appreciate that she was with us every step of the journey, both in our home and in every store we visited. Francisca not only helped create our vision, but delivered it flawlessly. AV Architects is a great company. We plan to be lifelong customers and consider them a part of our family.
Bill and Michelle K.
December 31, 2013Last modified:December 31, 2013

Lock
Relationship
Client
We selected AV Design Build to create a new kitchen in our 1954 New England Salt Box home in Northern Virginia. We interviewed four firms, but selected AV because they understood us better than anyone. We wanted a firm that could create a completely new kitchen that replaced the existing small kitchen and one car garage, but could do so within a reasonable budget and still achieve a combination of an updated modern space that would blend with the traditional character of the house. They achieved our dream within the expected time frame. We love our new kitchen and we are enjoying every piece in it, which was chosen with their guidance and expertise. We were very lucky to find a firm who could combine the architectural design, the contracting and the development of the project. The combination made all the process smoother.
December 30, 2013Last modified:December 31, 2013

plagendyk
Relationship
Client
Finding the right architect is never an easy process,, but when we met AV Architects our problems were solved. They helped us visualize the potential of our home and helped us stay within our budget. AV Architects are true Solution Builders.
March 2, 2013Last modified:December 31, 2013

edalbrigo
Relationship
Client
AV Architects provided an innovative solution to our remodeling needs. They were far more engaged with us than other companies who gave us designs and estimates. We met all our design objectives within the budget we set for the project. The construction phase stayed on time. AV Architects addressed all issues in a timely fashion. We would definitely engage them for future remodeling needs.
January 25, 2013Last modified:December 31, 2013
Comment from AV Architects + Builders:
Thank you so much for your review. We enjoyed so much working with you and Mary in transforming your home. Now you can use all your spaces of your home and we did not even have to add-on? Right? It was a matter of re-designing what you had so that it would fit your lifestyle.
As we like to say: "It's not always about MORE space but about BETTER space..."
As we like to say: "It's not always about MORE space but about BETTER space..."



lbhpeterson
Relationship
Client
"When you don't have a lot of money to spend for your renovation you have to be creative". That was what sold me on AV architect, Francisca Alonso.
We changed the whole feel and flow of our home with the addition of an 8 foot hallway and kitchen renovation. The addition of the hallway allowed us to open up the back of the house letting light in and incorporating outdoor living space to our home. We were very pleased with the entire process from start to finish. Francisca was wonderful to work with.
How many people can say that their archectect/builder became their good friend ....we can.
January 15, 2013

Chris Barton
Relationship
Client
We have completed three significant projects with AV Architects & Builders and have been extremely satisfied. They redesigned and built our kitchen and master bath several years back. In our second project, they finished redesigning and building our family room, children's lounge and basement. More recently, they designed and built a significant screened-in-porch with a fireplace. All of our projects were completed on time and were delivered as promised.




January 14, 2013Last modified:May 1, 2017
Comment from AV Architects + Builders:
Thank you, Chris for your kind words. We loved working with you and Lauren, specially as a "repeat client"...Your house "looks and feels" completely different than when we started working with you..and is now in alignment with your lifestyle...so excited to have been able to provide you with the design solutions that fit your needs. Thank you for trusting us and AV Architects!




Closet Factory - Michelle Langley
Relationship
Colleague
I am a designer for a custom closet company. I have been working with Francisca Alonso of AV Architects on various projects since 2006.
I love collaborating with her because she is extremely easy to work with and the projects always go very smoothly.
I HIGHLY recommend Francisca Alonso and AV Architects. They do some amazing renovations and are a fantastic company to deal with.
January 14, 2013
Comment from AV Architects + Builders:
Thank you, Michelle! Always a pleasure working with you too! You know I am a fanatic about storage and organization and love helping my clients find ways to get more organized...and you make this goal so much easier with your creative mind.
Thank you for being part of the team here at AV Architects!!
Thank you for being part of the team here at AV Architects!!




Commented: black wall tileGlad you like our work! Its Large Format porcelain tile from @MarbleSystems called carbonio:https://www.marblesystems.com/?s=carbonio&post_type=product
November 30, 2019
Commented: Love the cabinets...where are they from?They are from http://www.cuisineideale.com/
May 19, 2019
Commented: <t1>What is the wood and stain of the cabinets?
cabinets</t1>These were custom cabinets.
May 5, 2019
Commented: What style and color for the kitchen cabinets. Thanks!The cabinets are black matte finish and shaker door style.
April 30, 2019
Commented: Hardwareyes, there is. It has a small groove.
November 19, 2018
Commented: Dimension of the closet?The linen closet is 21" wide and 21" deep.
November 4, 2018
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